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Making sure that staff are up to the important job of caring is one of RMBI Care Co.’s biggest priorities. But running an effective care home isn’t just about hiring great people, it’s also about helping people to grow and develop in their careers and making sure that carers remain fulfilled – because happy carers make happy residents.

Meet Emily.

RMBI Care Co. attracts carers at all stages of their careers, from experienced nurses to those newly qualified. Emily first joined as a carer at Lord Harris Court in Berkshire in 2010, before deciding that she wanted to train as a nurse. Alongside her day job as a carer she studied at the University of West London, qualifying with First Class Honours in Mental Health Nursing in 2018. She is now a Clinical Lead at Lord Harris Court.

“When I first qualified, the help I got from Lord Harris Court and RMBI Care Co. was fantastic. The training courses we receive really help to develop your skills, especially when you’re new to the job.

“The opportunities I’ve been offered are endless: training to drive the mini bus to take residents to trips, all my clinical and mandatory training, a leadership and management programme, and a mental health first aid course that enables me to support my colleagues.”

Emily has come a long way since she first joined; and although much of her time is now spent managing the nursing team, she still spends plenty of time with residents to make sure that they are receiving the highest standard of care.

“The staff, residents and relatives have such a close bond that it really does feel like a second family. This gives me the daily encouragement to support the team to provide the best care for our residents.”

Three steps to creating better care

Create knowledgeable carers

With advances in health care happening all the time, making sure that carers are up to date with their clinical skills and best practice is essential. Staff receive regular refresher training and initiatives such as the ‘Dementia Bus’ – a unit which tours the country simulating the sensory experience of a person living with dementia – also improve empathy, a key ingredient in delivering the best care.

Create resilient carers

‘Compassion Fatigue’ is happening across the care sector – a phenomenon which sees carers burn out due to stress and anxiety – but for the last five years, RMBI Care Co. has been offering counselling and training in stress management to improve the wellbeing of staff so that they can continue with the career that they love.

Create committed carers

For the residents, continuity and the ability to build meaningful relationships with staff have a high impact on quality of life. Thanks to the opportunities available for staff to develop their careers through skills or leadership and management training, RMBI Care Co. prides itself on a turnover rate that is lower than the industry average and as a result, residents feel happier and more secure.